SL Navy enjoys peace dividends

by Ranil WIJAYAPALA

The Navy could enjoy the peace dividends after the great victory achieved by President Mahinda Rajapaksa through the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy bringing together 19 Navies across the globe in one platform, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said.

Briefing the media about the benefits achieved through the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Navy the Navy Commander said nearly 6 to 7 million US dollars flowed to the country by the arrival of seven foreign war ships along with more than 4,000 sailors and officers on board.

“Preliminary reports indicate that they have spent six to seven million US dollars in the form of the refilling fuel and water for their ships and the purchase of food and other items during their visits to Colombo, the Navy Commander added.

All these ships arrived in Sri Lanka to participate at the 60th anniversary celebrations sailing thousands of nautical miles and carrying thousands of tonnage of logistics.

The Navy Commander said 19 Navies across the globe also given the opportunity to interact each other, over maritime security and exchange their experience about counter terrorism measures.

He said Sri Lanka also got the opportunity to have more foreign training opportunities for the Navy personnel whilst Navy personnel attending the celebration sought opportunities for their Navy personnel to be trained in Sri Lanka.

Vice Admiral Thisara Samrasinghe said that it was a very rare opportunity Sri Lanka achieved as it could bring major Navies in the world together.